England Thrash Serbia to Edge Closer to World Cup Spot

England produced their most convincing display under Thomas Tuchel with a commanding 5-0 victory over Serbia in Belgrade, a result that leaves them within touching distance of World Cup qualification, Sport360NG reports.

What had been billed as Tuchel’s sternest test since succeeding Gareth Southgate quickly turned into a showcase of English dominance. They now require just five points from their remaining three matches to secure their place at next summer’s finals.

It took half an hour for England to turn control into a breakthrough, Harry Kane rising highest to nod in Declan Rice’s corner for his 74th international goal. Moments later, Arsenal winger Noni Madueke doubled the lead with a surging run and clinical finish, his first for the national team, prompting a delighted reaction from Tuchel on the touchline.

The game was briefly halted after Serbia supporters targeted Ezri Konsa with lasers, but the Aston Villa defender had the last word by scoring England’s third early in the second half. Any faint hopes of a Serbian comeback were extinguished soon after when their captain Nikola Milenkovic was dismissed for a reckless foul on Kane.

From the resulting free-kick, Marc Guehi added a fourth before substitute Marcus Rashford completed the rout in stoppage time from the penalty spot, following a foul on Ollie Watkins.

The emphatic win was not only England’s most complete performance of the campaign but also a milestone for several individuals. Madueke and Konsa both celebrated maiden goals, while Morgan Rogers impressed with his creativity. Djed Spence also made history by becoming the first Muslim to represent the men’s senior team.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was barely tested but still equalled Gordon Banks’ long-standing record with a seventh consecutive clean sheet for England.

Tuchel had promised his side would raise their levels after unconvincing wins earlier in qualifying, and in the hostile surroundings of the Rajko Mitic Stadium, his players delivered. The partisan crowd was subdued long before the final whistle, leaving England firmly on course for the World Cup.